Case Study : The Cabbage Patch - Barbara Chrisp

Barbara Chrisp, 41, launched her business, The Cabbage recently, with help from local business advisors Be Enterprising, after being made redundant last year.  She is now working with ten Peterlee SureStarts to ensure that healthy eating habits are embedded in the community from a young age.

Barbara said: “It came about as a result of the research I was doing before starting The Cabbage Patch.  I had been in touch with my local primary care trust (PCT) who invited me along to a Healthy Eating meeting they were holding.  

“I met Pauline Coglan, SureStart area manager, there, who liked the sound of my business and invited me to meet some of her centre leaders.  Now, I’m visiting SureStarts in the area on a regular basis, showing parents the quality of the produce I supply and advising them on their eating habits.”

Barbara also supplies Rosemary Lane Nursery with fresh produce for the lunches they cook for the children.  

She added: “Easington is generally a low income area, fresh produce isn’t perceived as being cheap and I want people to see it as something affordable.  People are always interested in buying quality goods offering value for money and that’s what I supply.”

Be Enterprising was able to supply Barbara with a £3,000 grant, which played a vital role in the set up of the business, as it has enabled her to buy a delivery van.  Barbara said: “I think they’re great.  The way the advisors explain things, they give you just the right amount of information to absorb it at the time, rather than bombarding you.  They’re very approachable and my coach helped me work out where I should focus my research.  He is still in touch with me regularly, to see how I’m getting on and offering support if I need it.”

Be Enterprising coach Chris Churms said: “I think Barbara’s idea is wonderful.  She’s been able to transfer the direct sales and customer service skills she gained from working in the financial sector into a completely different business area.  She’s incredibly focused and is keen to work with everyone.  She’s the Jamie Oliver of the North East!”

Barbara also works with the ladies of Horden Welfare Centre, whom she visits every Thursday afternoon, selling them fresh produce in the quantities they require, rather than in her pre-made bags.  From June 27, Barbara will be running a weekly market stall at Horns Garden Centre in Shotton Colliery.  

The Cabbage Patch provides weekly deliveries of fruit and vegetables to customers in three sizes, small, medium and large.  All bags start off with four basic items; potatoes, onions, carrots and apples, with customers selecting additional fresh fruit and vegetables on delivery.  

The large bag, intended for households between four and six contains over 4kg of basic fruit and vegetables, with customers selecting an additional six items on delivery for £12.50.  

Barbara also accepts healthy start vouchers as part payment, meaning that parents of young children with low incomes are able to take advantage of her services easily and cost effectively.   


Those interested in ordering produce from The Cabbage Patch should call 07868 269 253 or e-mail thecabbagepatch@live.co.uk .